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  Honfleur - The Lieutenancy  

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Uploaded: 04/13/12 8:09 AM GMT
Honfleur - The Lieutenancy
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At one end of the Old Dock stands an odd-looking stone building called the Lieutenancy. This name refers to the 17th century when the King's Lieutenant used this building as his place of residence. It is, however, the only remnant left from the ancient rampart largely altered during the 16th and the 17th centuries. These past alterations make it very difficult nowadays for us to recognise the fortified "Caen Gate" which used to control the entrance into the medieval fortress of Honfleur. Nonetheless, parts of the walls that protected the town can still be seen on the Lieutenance. The gateway itself dates back to the 17th century. Above the gate, inside a niche, is a statue of Our Lady of the Harbour. Two overhanging watch-turrets at the sides are decorated with the town's coat of arms. A drawbridge used to link the fortress with Saint Catherine's suburb, the sailor's district set outside the town's boundaries. To the North, a crenellated bastion defended this fortified gate. To prevent any boat from getting into the Old Dock at night, chains were drawn across the entrance between the Lieutenancy and a Tower built opposite the present bridge. This Tower was demolished in 1808. source : informationfrance.com

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